Broken ankle?

[kaytee87]

I think I've broken my ankle, at first I thought it might be sprained but the pain is getting worse and is unbearable even whilst lying still. I know I need to go to hospital but how the hell am i going to get there? I wouldn't be able to manage into a taxi, what do I do??

Ah you’re totally going to be fine,,a converted bungalow is excellent. Hire a electric wheel chair on line, it’s not very expensive and you’ll be zooming around.

Electric wheelchair sounds like a good idea, although I quite like the sound of the weight loss you apparently get through using crutches
We were meant to be going to London for the weekend on the 15th, will have to cancel it all. Hopefully insurance will cover the flights at least.

Personally in terms of coping at home on your own and with baby, could you look at using a nursery for baby (explain the situtation and they may have a short term space etc) DH could drop and collect or maybe one of the Ms cld collect so its not a long day. Think about who will do cleaning and cooking. I found after a couple of weeks I could stand and do things in the kitchen or sit and chop stuff etc but the real issue was actually moving from one place to another carrying anything - so I could make a cup of tea but had to drink it stood by the kettle!! So used a travel kettle, jug of water, flask of milk on tray in lounge, also had a high trolley I used to push from one room to the next (MIL borrowed it from somewhere) I was living on my own as DH was back at college in another town.

Another option might be a short term au pere or mothers help. You will be there just not able to supervise too closely.

oh yes a cross body messenger bag thing is useful with crutches as well

Depending on where the breaks are I wonder if you could use a knee scooter.

I smashed my ankle to bits a couple of years ago and being dyspraxic I really struggled with crutches. This thing was a god send and gave me so much more independence!

Hope all goes well with the surgery tomorrow and sending you unmumsnetty hugs

Hop? Get someone to help you and use them as a crutch ie lean on them to support you to get in and out of a taxi

Guess who didn’t read the thread,,,😂

Being in a bungalow is a bonus! A shame about London but there'll be other trips/weekends away.

If your mum and MIL are able to do a lot childcare wise maybe you could stock up on box sets? I spent 3 weeks in June (evenings only) watching the whole of Game of Thrones. I'm very into my telly since having DS and spending nights on my own!

Try not to panic too much about tomorrow. As PPs have said they do these ops all the time and know what they're doing.

niccyb, op made it to hospital and is awaiting surgery for some complex fractures.

Op, don't fret yet. Get through your surgery and get home then see how you manage. Sounds like you have lots of support.

I've been thinking about watching peaky blinders.
I'm doing a professional diploma, night classes. Not sure how I will get into college but maybe I could try and keep up at home.

Have you discussed your options for the surgery? I assumed that I would have a general anaesthetic, but they offered me an epidural. So I wasn’t completely asleep for the op (although slept quite a bit due to morphine). It meant that I didn’t have all the horrible side effects of anaesthetic and I think enabled me to get out of hospital quicker. Although I was still in for 5 days, and like you, I missed my young son like crazy. It was the longest I have ever been away from him.

I had screws in my ankle with an epidural. Although I did sleep through most of it. I quite enjoyed my time watching day time telly and reading the paper from front to back, but I didn't have a toddler. If you can get hold of a perching stool that is great for preparing food or washing at a sink.

I haven't seen Peaky Blinders but my Mum really enjoys it. I keep meaning to have a look for it on Netflix - I'm pretty sure it was on there. No wifi at the moment though.

Hopefully if you contact the course people and explain the situation they'll be able to support you carrying on at home. If not maybe you could get a lift in? Once you feel up to it anyway. I've never been in your situation so not sure how long it'll be before you'll be out and about.

I haven't spoken to the anaesthetist yet, I will see him/her in the morning. I just assumed GA, didn't even think of an epidural.

Take care of yourself and don't try to rush back into doing things...

Yes - can your DC go into nursery for extra session.
Yes - have a good cry if you like (pain and shock are a big deal...)
Yes - to asking friends to help - can you put out a FB post briefly explaining what's been going on? You'd be surprised who wants to help - sometimes even people you've only just met through nursery etc.

Best of luck - and, I know you are feeling sorry for yourself but positive thinking

• you have a gorgeous DC
• your DH is working hard for your family
• you have a MIL to help
• your treatment is FREE and you sourced help quickly...

xxx

Ah lots of love! It can be a bit daunting being in hospital on your own can't it - but rest rest rest!!

I hope tomorrow goes well, deep breaths and it will all be fine.

Thinking of you!

This is going to be a long job I am afraid and you need to get lots of help lined up for the next few months.

I have had assorted pins and plates and know you will be fine. But you do have to be strict about the non-weight-bearing for as long as they say - it is going to be hard for you with a little one. I send you all good wishes.

You poor thing. I had a dislocation and breaks in 3 places when dd1 was 2. Fell down the stairs on Boxing Day. I have a plate and pin and wire holding my ankle together. Don't worry about the surgery, honestly, I would not want an epidural - a GA will mean you feel a prick and wake up when it's all over. Feeling tearful is normal. I cried my eyes out the second day I was in. A complete blabbing mess.

I managed pretty well on crutches - I have a 3 story town house, nightmare! I did a lot of hopping round the kitchen which was not really advised! Don't under estimate how tiring healing is. I'm self employed and thought I could work as normal but the first couple of weeks I couldn't do much more than watch box sets.

I healed well and don't have a limp. It gets achy in the cold and I don't like running anymore as it doesn't feel right but I can do other exercise. Ask about a removable cast. Mine was amazing and meant I could take off the cast and do gentle exercises early on (under physiology guidance). Had very little stiffness.

The worst thing was the day the physio got me on my feet. Because I had so much swelling they couldn't operate for 3 days so I had to keep my foot elevated. Getting the blood back in my foot when I put it to the floor was possible the worst thing about it. I nearly passed out, was not expecting it. But you have not been in that position so am sure it won't be nearly as bad.

After the op, take the painkillers at scheduled times to manage the pain. And take it as easy as you can. Oh and bio oil for the scar, mine is barely visible. And do exactly what your physio tells you. It will make a difference.

Good luck and keep us posted

And yes to asking for help. People are generally really glad to. And don't worry about reminding them 3-4 weeks down the line.

I broke my ankle badly last year ,now have a metal plate and screws in it .I had a GA for my surgery i am a right tough nut but i will admit i was scared but with a GA you are out so to speak and then you are awake . Go easy on yourself because it does take a while to heal ,you will feel tired ,keep up with the painkillers. Netflix and reading were my too do things.A table by me with all things i needed on it Mine healed well dont have any bother with it now .Good luck with the operation 💐.

Trying to decide on GA or spinal block!

I'd go for a GA. Presumably inserting plates, screws etc is going to involve some pretty heavy duty procedures which could be traumatic if awake? Hope it goes well for you whatever you decide.

Good luck today OP.

Hi OP, I had dislocation and trimalleolar fracture (i.e. breaks in three places) of my right ankle nine years ago, so similar to you. I had ORIF surgery with screws and plate put in. It will be tough going so I feel for you. No weight bearing on your ankle of any sort for the next six weeks whatever anyone says! It's a nasty break and needs time to fully heal - months, really.

I chose spinal because I dread the thought of GA. I took an mp3 player in and listened to music to relax me (I declined any sedative), and so I couldn't hear the drilling and sawing. If you choose spinal, bear in mind that you may feel the surgery as if it's in your okay ankle - that happened to me and was a bit of a head twister! But I don't regret having a spinal, as I was fresh and awake throughout and able to eat a sandwich as soon as I got back to the ward. But your decision either way.

Good luck! It will be tough but you will get through it. Just ask for help, and any questions here, to those of us who've been there.

"Presumably inserting plates, screws etc is going to involve some pretty heavy duty procedures which could be traumatic if awake? "

It does, that's why I chose my favourite most relaxing music to listen to during it. There is also the option of sedative. I turned it down, but the anaes will pump into it into you anyway if you freak out during the op. But that's a decision the OP has to make for herself, obviously.